MSS404052A - Apply statistics to operational processes

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to apply statistical theory and principles to the analysis and control of processes and operations.

Application

This unit applies to a person working in an organisation applying statistical process control on processes or operations. The statistical process control will usually be used to monitor the processes or operations and determine when action needs to be taken. The appropriate action will then be taken in accordance with standard procedures.

The unit includes applying knowledge of frequency distribution and variation to the data/chart to distinguish between random and non-random variation and assumes understanding of the process and/or equipment to help interpret those results.

This unit primarily requires the application of skills associated with gathering and analysing data and communicating statistical information to others. This unit also has a strong emphasis on problem solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, and self-management to solve problems and manage processes.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Collect process data

1.1

Interpret sampling scheme

1.2

Obtain measurements in accordance with standard procedures

1.3

Handle data, as required

2

Interpret data

2.1

Plot data on appropriate control chart

2.2

Distinguish between random and non-random patterns of results

2.3

Identify results outside the control limits

2.4

Recognise situations requiring action

2.5

Take appropriate action in accordance with standard procedures

2.6

Determine cost of non-conformance

3

Calculate control limits

3.1

Consult relevant stakeholders to determine appropriate limits

3.2

Use relevant methods to calculate/revise control limits

3.3

Plot limits on control chart

3.4

Explain impact of limit to relevant stakeholders

Required Skills

Required skills

Required skills include:

applying a range of sampling procedures

analysing samples and data for variation, relevance, reliability and representativeness

problem solving the causes of variation in a process

communicating with other employees to obtain samples/data and to explain results and limits

calculation of control limits/process capability and the applications of different control limits

the standard distribution curve and confidence limits

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:

follow sampling procedures

apply basic statistical processes

analyse data to identify variations and non-conformances

plot or document results.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of performance must be undertaken in a workplace using or implementing one or more competitive systems and practices.

Access may be required to:

workplace procedures and plans relevant to work area

specifications and documentation relating to planned, currently being implemented, or implemented changes to work processes and procedures relevant to the assessee

documentation and information in relation to production, waste, overheads and hazard control/management

reports from supervisors/managers

case studies and scenarios to assess responses to contingencies.

Method of assessment

A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed by using a combination of the following to generate evidence:

demonstration in the workplace

workplace projects

suitable simulation

case studies/scenarios (particularly for assessment of contingencies, improvement scenarios, and so on)

targeted questioning

reports from supervisors, peers and colleagues (third-party reports)

portfolio of evidence.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess underpinning knowledge.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Competitive systems and practices

Competitive systems and practices may include, but are not limited to:

Random variation is the term used in statistical control to refer to those variations for which no cause can be found

Non-random

Non-random (also called identifiable cause, assignable cause or special cause) are those variations for which a cause can be found and so the cause of the variation eliminated. Non-random variation may also be used to predict possible breaches of the control limits

Control limits

Control limits (also referred to as process capability) are those limits within which the process will operate if it is 'under control'